Copyright © 2026 Kotomora. All Rights Reserved.

Words Kanji Guides About

コククジラ (こくくじら) Japanese meaning | Kotomora

コククジラ

Meanings

1

noun

gray whale; grey whale

usually written using kana alone

Refers to the species Eschrichtius robustus. The katakana spelling コククジラ is standard in biological contexts.

コククジラは北きた太たい平へい洋ように生せい息そくしている。
Gray whales inhabit the North Pacific.
コククジラの回かい遊ゆうルートは長ちょう距きょ離りで知しられている。
The migration route of gray whales is known for its long distance.

Written forms

コククジラUsage100%
kana-only spelling
Katakana spelling is standard for this animal name; usually written in kana.
克こく鯨くじら
rarely-used kanji form
Rare kanji form; it is rarely used.
児童鯨こくくじら
rarely-used kanji form
Rare kanji form; it is rarely used.

Kanji

克overcome, kindly, skillfully

鯨whale

児newborn babe, child, young of animals

童juvenile, child

Etymology

The Japanese name コククジラ is composed of コク (possibly from an old reading or a transliteration) and クジラ (whale). The exact origin of the コク element is uncertain.